Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2026 - HSCI 481 D100

Senior Seminar in Social Health Science (3)

Class Number: 2397

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2026: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    90 units, including at least 15 upper division HSCI units with a minimum grade of C-. Other prerequisites may vary according to topic.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An in-depth overview of the sociocultural, epidemiological, and policy aspects of population and public health. May be repeated for credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

More than 123 million people worldwide are currently forcibly displaced, many as refugees and asylum seekers fleeing conflict and war. That’s roughly 1 in every 67 individuals. Understanding the health consequences of this crisis has never been more urgent. This senior seminar examines how forced displacement due to conflict and war shapes health outcomes through a social and structural determinants lens.

Students will analyze the complex health challenges faced by refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, and stateless populations across diverse global contexts. Drawing on interdisciplinary research, legal frameworks, and real-world case studies, the course explores how systems of power, legal status, and humanitarian responses influence access to care, vulnerability, and health equity. Through collaborative learning, critical analysis, and policy engagement, students will gain a deeper understanding of the public health dimensions of conflict-driven displacement and develop actionable strategies for addressing these global challenges.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Analyze the global patterns and root causes of forced displacement caused by conflict and war, and their impacts on health.
• Apply social determinants of health frameworks to assess how displacement and structural inequities intersect to affect health outcomes.
• Critically evaluate interdisciplinary research and case studies on health challenges faced by forcibly displaced populations.
• Assess the effectiveness of current health policies, programs, and humanitarian interventions addressing displacement-related health issues.
• Develop evidence-based, equity-focused recommendations for public health strategies that respond to the unique needs of forcibly displaced populations.

Grading

  • Individual excercises 20%
  • Facilitated dialogues 25%
  • Final group assignment 40%
  • Participation & engagement 15%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID
at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.